Club Statement | Incident in Game V Langford

This week, several allegations of racism have been made against Real Bedford FC player Jordan Brown. After reviewing the allegations on Twitter, I immediately spoke with the player and called the Langford chairman to discuss the incident.

I made it very clear to the Langford chairman that Jordan Brown is not racist, there was no racist attack in the game, and we reject any accusation of racism.

Having discussed this with my Manager, Chief Executive and the player, we decided not to respond online and would only do so if any formal complaints were made. Our response would be via the official channels, as with all misconduct hearings. We have not heard from either the league or the FA at the time of writing. However, with the story growing online and becoming increasingly distorted, I have decided to address the issue because I don't believe any player should be indicted and convicted on social media. 

Allegations of racism should be treated seriously. The FA has worked hard to stamp this out of the game, and we commend and support them. Real Bedford is an inclusive club that supports footballers and fans of all ethnicities, religions, sexuality and gender. As such, we will never tolerate discrimination at our club.

Equally, false allegations should also be treated seriously, as these can seriously affect the careers and mental health of those accused. Jordan Brown is unequivocally not racist, and the club rejects any accusation of racism labelled against him. 

The incident in the game followed several flashpoints, for which video evidence will be provided to the governing bodies if requested. Just after the hour mark, Langford player Charan Basra lunged at a Real Bedford player from behind, studs up and directly at his ankle, making no attempt to play the ball. He could have broken his ankle, and we believe he should have received a red card for the incident. Thirty seconds later, he chased our captain and again made another bad tackle, this time more dangerous as with his studs up and making no attempt to play the ball, he lunged at our captain's standing leg. 

The second tackle was more outrageous than the first. It could have broken our captain's leg, and we believe it should also have led to a red card. The entire incident is on camera, including the subsequent melee and at no point did any player attempt to remove Charan Basra's Patka. However, the referee only gave Charan Basra a yellow card, and the Langford player remained on the pitch.

We all know football can be tense, and rivalries can carry on through games. Any rivalry with Charan Basra on the pitch was entirely due to his dangerous play. This had nothing to do with race or religion.

The incident for which the allegations arose occurred towards the end of the game, close to the referee and his assistant. Both had a clear view and could hear what was said at the time. They conferred over the incident and decided to give Charan Basra and Jordan Brown a yellow card. We know that referees have a tough job and can miss things, which is why we originally chose to wait to hear from the FA.

Match officials are aware of the tone and temper of a game in the lead-up to incidents like this and of any previous exchanges or periods of foul play. The overall game and the specific incidents influence their decision. As this was Basra's second yellow card of the game, he was dismissed from the field of play. 

If the FA determine that an investigation is required concerning this incident, then we will, of course, provide video evidence to the FA, and statements from players and witnesses, as is the due process when complaints of this nature have been made. 

People with no context of the game or incident and who have seen just 15 seconds on social media have called for Jordan Brown to be attacked, sacked and arrested. We will not partake in trial by social media and are concerned that we have seen both people within the game, and some quarters of the national press, indiscriminately condemning a player without asking for the context or requesting official statements from our club.  

I have no understanding of the experiences that Charan Basra has had in football, but I recognise that Sikhs are underrepresented in the game, and perhaps Charan Basra has experienced racism previously. I would welcome meeting with him and hearing about his experiences, as I recognise I may have my own blind spots. I also welcome discussions with anyone from the Sikh community and invite anyone who would like to visit Real Bedford to come down to McMullen Park, and I will make myself available.

We have maintained contact with Langford and will look to meet with them to ensure that we maintain a good relationship between the clubs, management and players.

At this point, we have received no formal complaint. Still, if we receive one, we expect any misconduct hearings to be conducted professionally and with due process in dealing with these allegations. 

Allegations of racism should be treated seriously, but so should false allegations.

Peter McCormack
Chairman